Summaries of books about History & Biographies:
Never Settle
Sports, Family, and the American Soul
Marty Smith
The book is a memoir that shares the author's journey from a small-town life to becoming a respected ESPN reporter, reflecting on the role of sports in American culture and the personal and professional relationships that shaped his life and career. It offers insights into the world of sports journalism, the significance of family and faith, and the pursuit of passion against all odds.
See full summary
Elizabeth Taylor
The Grit & Glamour of an Icon
Kate Andersen Brower
The book delves into the life of legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor, exploring her rise to stardom, her tumultuous personal life, and her enduring legacy in Hollywood and beyond. It provides an intimate look at her eight marriages, her activism, especially in AIDS research, and the strength and resilience she displayed throughout her career and public life.
See full summary
Americana
A 400-Year History of American Capitalism
Bhu Srinivasan
The book provides a sweeping narrative of the evolution of capitalism in the United States, exploring how economic forces have shaped the nation from the colonial era to the modern tech giants. It delves into the stories of innovators and businesses that have played pivotal roles in America's economic development, examining the interplay between democracy and the free market.
See full summary
Everything Is Horrible and Wonderful
A Tragicomic Memoir of Genius, Heroin, Love, and Loss
Stephanie Wittels Wachs
The memoir recounts the life and untimely death of Harris Wittels, a talented comedy writer, through the eyes of his sister, Stephanie Wittels Wachs. It explores the complexities of his struggles with heroin addiction, his impact on the comedy world, and the profound grief and love experienced by his family and friends in the wake of his passing.
See full summary
Sudden Sea
The Great Hurricane of 1938
R. A. Scotti
The book recounts the devastating impact of the 1938 hurricane that struck the northeastern United States without warning, causing immense destruction and loss of life. It combines personal narratives, meteorological analysis, and historical context to illustrate the tragedy and the failure of weather prediction at the time.
See full summary
Out of the Clouds
The Unlikely Horseman and the Unwanted Colt Who Conquered the Sport of Kings
Linda Carroll|David Rosner
The book tells the inspiring true story of a down-on-his-luck horseman, Harry de Leyer, and a plow horse named Snowman, whom he rescues from the slaughterhouse. Together, they overcome incredible odds to win the triple crown of show jumping, captivating the nation and becoming symbols of perseverance and the bond between humans and horses.
See full summary
One Nation Under God
How Corporate America Invented Christian America
Kevin Kruse
The book explores the relationship between Christianity and capitalism in the United States, arguing that corporate interests in the 1930s through the 1950s helped to promote the idea of a Christian America to counter New Deal policies. It details how businessmen and religious leaders collaborated to fuse faith and free enterprise, influencing national politics and culture.
See full summary
Once a Warrior
How One Veteran Found a New Mission Closer to Home
Jake Wood
The book chronicles the journey of a former Marine sniper who, after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, co-founds Team Rubicon, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes veterans to respond to disasters and crises. It explores the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life and the powerful role that continued service and community can play in that process.
See full summary
Ten Hours Until Dawn
The True Story of Heroism and Tragedy Aboard the Can Do
Michael J. Tougias
The book recounts the harrowing ordeal of the pilot boat Can Do and its crew, who set out to assist in the rescue efforts during the blizzard of 1978 off the coast of New England. It details their valiant but ill-fated mission, which resulted in tragedy amidst the storm's fury and the heroic efforts of the Coast Guard and other rescuers.
See full summary
Reluctant Genius
Alexander Graham Bell and the Passion for Invention
Charlotte Gray
The book delves into the life of inventor Alexander Graham Bell, exploring his personal history, his drive for innovation, and the impact of his most famous invention, the telephone. It also examines Bell's lesser-known contributions to science and his complex character, revealing the man behind the iconic inventor persona.
See full summary